Ref. #BBBEB9 · AF-690
Metropolitan
51%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Metropolitan Technical Profile
What color is Metropolitan? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #BBBEB9. Colors similar to Metropolitan include PPG Solstice, Valspar Granite Dust, Kilz International Gray. Metropolitan has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. At LRV 51, Metropolitan sits in the comfortable mid-light range — bright enough for living areas yet soft enough for bedrooms, and adaptable across most lighting conditions. As a warm neutral, Metropolitan pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Metropolitan
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Metropolitan
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Metropolitan
#BBBEB9
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85AD89
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Metropolitan
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Metropolitan Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Benjamin Moore Colors
Other Benjamin Moore colors close to Metropolitan.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Metropolitan — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Metropolitan have?
Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Metropolitan from other brands?
The closest matches are Solstice by PPG (#BABDB8), Granite Dust by Valspar (#BABCB6), International Gray by Kilz (#BABEB7). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Metropolitan?
Metropolitan has an LRV of 50.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Metropolitan
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Metropolitan's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.